Matilda Mercer MCM’22, COM’21 is a Masters of Communication and Media (MCM) dual-degree option success story, earning her advanced degree in one year while graduating with distinction. She kindly shared her exceptional experiences with SC&I.

 SC&I: Tell us about your undergraduate experience.

MM: I began my education at Rutgers University knowing I wanted to major in Communication. Throughout my undergraduate years, I held multiple roles within RU leadership, Student Veterans of America, Rutgers Veterans House, the Public Relations Student Society of America, Scarlet PR, and RU Habitat for Humanity. I interned for the Rutgers University Athletics, served as Vice President of Events and Programming for the Rutgers Graduate Student Association, and worked for FOX Sports/Big Ten Network games as official stats, relaying information for the TV editors. 

 SC&I: What led you to pursue the MCM degree? 

MM: I pursued a master’s degree to further my education because I have a passion for helping others communicate and a true love of life-long learning. While studying at Rutgers, I engaged in communication studies and loved every minute of relationship-building with my professors, understanding the structure of education, and learning more about myself and how others communicate. This passion for learning motivated me to continually challenge myself academically and professionally. This pursuit led me to become a teaching assistant so that I could gain experience and a different perspective.

 SC&I: What did you choose as your specialization? 

MM: I focused on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)—how businesses uphold their promise to better society—which falls under the Corporate Purpose and Social Impact specialization. CSR is about the purpose of a company and how it treats its stakeholders, including its employees, consumers, and investors. This specialization made me realize how important CSR is to build a better community within the business structure while giving back to society.

 The course that sparked my interest in CSR was Communication and Society with part-time faculty member Matthew Kane. This foundational course teaches the importance of CSR and how to apply it to campaigns to self-regulate businesses’ actions on the environment and be socially responsible towards its stakeholders. This course opened my eyes to the fact that CSR is truly what’s needed in today’s businesses and society.

 SC&I: What advice do you have for anyone pursuing the MCM degree?  

MM: For anyone interested in the MCM program, take advantage of every opportunity presented! There are many leadership opportunities throughout the program, including study abroad and the Johnson & Johnson fellowship. Apply to everything and see what sticks! Also, take advantage of the relationships with your professors because they can help tremendously when you transition into the workforce. The faculty is incredibly supportive and willing to help you gain the experience you need to be a successful professional. All you need to do is ask! You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

 SC&I: Who are your greatest motivators? 

MM: I contribute all my successes to my mother, Dr. Matilde Chua, who challenges and encourages me to realize my utmost potential. She pushed me to pursue my passion—communication—and extend my education to the master’s level. At Rutgers, Mark Beal, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Communication, has served as my mentor and role model. He taught me the necessary skills for a communication professional. Professor Beal has given me perspective and direction that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. He helped me interview and secure a full-time position at FanDuel. I attribute my success to his guidance and endless support throughout my academic and professional career, and I am most grateful to him.

 SC&I: What exciting things are next for you?

MM: To complete my master’s degree, I will be studying abroad at Hellenic Mediterranean University in Crete, Greece. I was selected to be a part of the program and am thrilled to be one of two recipients to receive a scholarship out of 11 students attending. I am proud to say that I will be continuing my passion for communication and learning at FanDuel as a Communications Associate, learning more about an emerging industry and creating Corporate Social Responsibility campaigns.

Photo: Courtesy of Matilda Mercer MCM’22, COM’21